Sierra Lewis, Clinical Intern

Pronouns - she/her

(Sierra can work with clients in Illinois, North Carolina, Colorado, Florida, and Wisconsin)

Approach to Therapy:

I believe we have everything we need to thrive already within us—as a therapist, I am here to help you uncover it. Together, we will reframe and reshape what you feel into what you know and strengthen your position as the narrator of your own story. You exist in multiple contexts, and I want to get to know and understand how they influence you. I believe the power of the therapeutic space is its ability to validate and empower you to be authentic, brave, and bold in seeking growth. Through various interventions such as narrative therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy, it is my goal to provide that space for you and give you the tools to move through life with empathy, strength, and connection.

Our cultures and experiences deeply impact our lives, both positively and negatively. I am committed to understanding these influences as they relate to systemic injustices, cultural differences, generational trauma, and more. I hope to help you forge deeper, healthier connections to your community in consideration of larger external forces, and to help you break harmful patterns that may impede your journey to emotional and mental wellness. With a warm approach and appreciation for humor and collaboration in therapy, I am so excited to support you as you work to achieve your personal and relational goals.

Clinical Interests:

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to health in a family unit. My experience with research in women’s mood disorders and my work as a nanny has guided my passion for understanding family systems and emotional regulation. Navigating change in any stage of life is hard, and in this world, changes are aplenty. Everyone deserves validation for the way they are experiencing their life, and sometimes, a different perspective or a listening ear can open up new outlooks and realms of possibility. I openly welcome every issue and topic that is brought to the therapy room—nothing in the world is taboo if we allow ourselves to express it. My foremost goal will always be to make you feel safe and honored.

Education and Training:

I received my Associate of Arts in Psychology at the University of Maryland and earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I spent a year working as a research study coordinator with UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Psychiatry. I investigated the effect of estrogen on women experiencing irritation due to being in perimenopause.

Currently, I am in my second year of the Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy program at Adler University. I am a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). In addition, I am actively working towards Adler University’s Certificate in Sex Therapy to gain certification in the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT).

My work at AACG is supervised by Amanda Atkins, LMFT. .

3 Things I Love:

My cats (two orange twin tabby boys, Hotwaffle and Garfield), reading a romance novel, and a game night with friends.

Sierra can be reached at sierra@amandaatkinschicago.com.